French Electronic Music: UNESCO Bid
- French President Emmanuel Macron is advocating for French electronic music, specifically "French touch," to receive UNESCO World Heritage status.
- UNESCO, the United Nations agency focused on promoting peace and security through culture, arts, and sciences, maintains a list of intangible cultural heritage.
- Macron, in an interview, suggested French touch deserves similar recognition.
President Macron is championing French electronic music, specifically the “French touch” subgenre, for UNESCO World Heritage status. This move aims to recognize the global impact and cultural meaning of French electronic music, which includes iconic artists like Daft Punk and Justice. UNESCO’s list already celebrates diverse musical styles; Berlin techno was added in 2023, inspiring Macron’s initiative. This effort reflects a broader push to preserve and promote cultural heritage. News Directory 3 is monitoring the story.Discover the artists shaping electronic music history, and the future of French touch as the UNESCO bid unfolds.
Macron Pushes UNESCO Status for French Touch Electronic Music
Updated June 25, 2025
French President Emmanuel Macron is advocating for French electronic music, specifically ”French touch,” to receive UNESCO World Heritage status. The genre boasts influential artists such as Daft Punk, Justice, Air, Cassius, Phoenix, Étienne de Crécy, M83, and Alan Braxe.
UNESCO, the United Nations agency focused on promoting peace and security through culture, arts, and sciences, maintains a list of intangible cultural heritage. This list aims to safeguard practices, knowledge, and skills recognized by communities as integral to their cultural identity. Previously, musical genres like Jamaican reggae, Mexican mariachi, and Cuban rumba have been honored.
In 2023, Berlin techno joined the UNESCO list. Macron, in an interview, suggested French touch deserves similar recognition. “We’re going to do that too,” Macron said, according to Euronews. “I love Germany – you know how pro-European I am.But we don’t have to take lessons from anyone. We are inventors of electro. We have that French touch.”
France already has traditional musical styles on the UNESCO list, including Gwoka from Guadeloupe and the art of French horn players.
Daft Punk, formed in Paris in 1993 by Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, remains a cornerstone of French touch. Their fusion of house, funk, techno, synth-pop, and disco propelled them to global stardom. Albums like “Homework” (1997) and “Revelation” (2001) are considered dance music classics. The duo split in February 2021, following the release of their final album, 2013’s “Random Access Memories,” wich featured the hit single “Get Lucky.”
What’s next
UNESCO will consider France’s request to add French touch to its list of protected cultural heritage. The decision could significantly boost the profile of French electronic music and its cultural importance.